Siskiyou Sensation: Ryan Andrus making a racket for Miners tennis team

Wednesday

May 8, 2013 at 1:02 PMMay 8, 2013 at 1:09 PM

Tanner Horton for the Daily News

Ryan Andrus is a sophomore at Yreka High School and is currently the number one tennis player on the boys squad. As a freshman last year, Ryan was number two on the team, behind 2012 graduate Austin Kische. In the regular season, Ryan only lost two matches. Once to Ryan Wilson of Foothill, and once to Ricky Ward of U-Prep, who is ranked number one in the NAL. Last Thursday, the team traveled down to Chico for the first round of the Northern Section playoffs. Though he didn't win his singles match, he and No. 2 seed Niraj Khalasi won their doubles match, as the whole team upset Chico 5-4 to move onto the second round.Today, the Miners travel to Redding to face Shasta. The match was set for Tuesday but was delayed a day due to the weather.This past weekend, Andrus earned all Northern Athletic League honors. In singles, he made it all the way to the title match before losing to Ward in three sets.In doubles, he and Khalasi made it to the finals before losing to U-Prep.Ryan is dedicated to both school and tennis. He is a straight-A student and has a 4.2 GPA this semester. He spends five to eight weeks out of his summer practicing at the Sun Oaks Tennis and Fitness center in Redding. Head tennis coach Mark Freudenburg had this to say about Ryan. "Ryan is a really smart player. He has great fundamentals, which are so important in this sport. He has great endurance and doesn't seem to get rattled or lose confidence."Full name: Ryan Jay Andrus. Born and raised in: Born in Santa Cruz, raised in Yreka.Parent's names: Jon and Amy Andrus. What is your favorite thing about tennis? My favorite thing is the high you get when you win or hit a great shot. What's it been like this season as number one? It's been fun. I get to play against better competition and that's been the best part. What was your favorite match this season? My favorite match was beating Ricky Ward from U-Prep, he was the league No. 1 so it was big and I won in a third set tiebreak. Who is your favorite tennis player? My favorite player is Rafeal Nadal. He's just a freak. Favorite teacher in school: My favorite teacher..... Mr. Freudenburg. Where do you see yourself ten years from now? I hope to see myself finishing college with a degree.What motivates,inspires you? I just want to get better. Whenever I miss a shot or lose a match I tell myself it won't happen again and get better.